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EO Platform and Space-to-Ground Communications Engineer

  • Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
  • Location:
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Outer space and satellite technology
  • Closing Date: Closed

 

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

 

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

 

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

 

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

 

Description

Earth Observation (EO) Platform and Space-to-Ground Communications Engineer in the Future Missions and Instruments Division of the Future Missions and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Technology Coordination and Frequency Management Section. When performing your tasks, you will work in close cooperation with other staff members of the Future Missions and Instruments Division and the Future Missions and Architecture Department. You will also liaise with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) and the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).

You will be responsible for the following tasks related to Earth observation (EO) technology:

  • Identifying technology needs, based on space system requirements and general technology trends, for future EO missions and programmes, focusing on technologies for the platform (e.g. data handling, AOCS, power, propulsion) and communications (payload data downlink, commanding, protocols) with the ground segment;
  • Monitoring and assessing the evolution of EO-relevant technologies through internal studies and the follow-up of industrial activities, both within ESA (such as D/EOP, D/TEC, D/OPS, D/TIA) and outside ESA (including other space agencies, the European Commission, commercial initiatives for EO, as well as potential spin-in from other industrial sectors, such as COTS);
  • Identifying and analysing lessons learned from previous and ongoing missions, in coordination with the EOP Projects Department, D/TEC and D/OPS;
  • Actively contributing to the EO strategy on technology development based on the above points, including standardisation of platform product lines, ECSS tailoring and wider use of co-engineering approaches with industry;
  • Defining, initiating and managing technology development activities in the area of platforms and communications with the ground segment for the preparation of future EO missions in coordination with other sections in the Division, the EO Projects Department and with D/TEC and D/OPS;
  • Supporting future EO mission preparation through participation in the evaluation of proposals in response to calls, reviews, assessment of industrial results, etc.;
  • Maintaining and improving the Earth observation technology databases to facilitate internal coordination within the Division and Department and with external actors;

 

When carrying out these tasks, you will be in close contact with representatives of industry and of other space agencies.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of innovation-related processes
Background in space engineering with systems orientation and end-to-end view of Earth Observation missions
Experience in platform and space-to-ground communications for Earth Observation
Familiarity with optical and/or microwave remote sensing techniques
Experience in implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities for space technology development

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s or PhD in an engineering discipline or in applied physics is required.

Additional requirements

A relevant background in Earth observation and at least five years’ experience in spacecraft platform technology development are required.

You are expected to be able to contribute to a dynamic and creative environment in preparatory phases of EO missions. You should have good interpersonal skills and be able to work and interact within small teams as well as autonomously. Experience of working in a team and/or project environment is desirable.


Experience in spaceborne platform technologies, signal processing and familiarity with EO remote sensing techniques would be an asset.


You should be thorough in your approach, open to innovation and able to work independently, while also displaying good communication skills.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals,What we offerand FAQ  

 

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.     

 

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

 

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities.  Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.  The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

 

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented or balanced Member States*.  (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf)

 

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

 

Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

This vacancy is now closed.
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